I have no idea who Shana Saint is. None. I'm a googlemaniac and all I could discern for sure is that she's from Dallas. She doesn't seem to have a web site (or, at least, I couldn't find one). Like the title of her album, though, Shana is "Unexpected".

Originally released in 2009 (apparently as a 6 track set), this seems to be a DIY effort. Far from perfect, "Unexpected" suffers from certain ailments that are all too common in DIY releases. Essentially, the backing tracks sound a bit canned and are often far busier than they need to be. Sometimes, too, the young singer lets those tracks lead her and dictate where she goes and the pace she takes when it should be the other way around, and would be with a live band. But this girl can Sing--that's Sing with a capital "S"--and she manages to rise above those issues. A perfect example of the good and the bad can be found on "O Holy Night". The backing track is waayyy too busy and, at times, Shana sounds as though she's being rushed along for a tempo that's at least a half beat too fast. And yet her voice shines above that mess--crystal clear and full of passion.

As "Unexpected" seems intended to showcase Shana's talents, there are a number of styles represented here, with most of the tracks featuring an easy urban rhythm. Shana's voice has a natural soul, so she sounds far more credible on the R&B arrangements than a lot of bigger named artists. But she also does a nice job on "The Christmas Song" featuring a jazzy Bossa Nova beat and "Let It Snow", which is stripped down to closely resemble that laid back barefoot California sound typified by Colbie Caillat. The tracks I'd most highly recommend are "Let It Snow", because it is stripped down and dominated by her voice and guitar rather than all that other noise, and "White Christmas", where the soulful backing track actually works with Shana and not against her.

Bottom line: If I owned a record label, I would sign this girl immediately and without hesitation. I don't care if she sticks with the R&B groove or starts singing show tunes in Glee, I have no doubt she'll excel. I hear natural talent, natural soul, and just a hint of Nicolette Larson (maybe even a tad of Teena Marie). And it won't be long before the labels that don't sign her are regretting that decision. Since I don't watch any of those reality talent shows, I don't know if Shana Saint has appeared on any of them. But, if she hasn't, they really blew their talent searches big time.

"Unexpected" has just been released to iTunes and Amazon MP3, so its possible it's not supposed to be a free download at Bandcamp anymore. But it is. So grab it quick before someone realizes they need to change that Bandcamp price. At the moment, no email address is required.

Thanks for this review, can't believe I'm just now seeing it! I also appreciate the heads up- the album is no longer free on BandCamp. My bad!!! Thanks again.

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